happy friday/trip highlights, part I

Wow, again another week has passed and I have no idea where the time went! I have been busy catching up with work (still have a teensy bit of unpacking to do...disgraceful, I know). Big Jim has been fighting off the flu while also recovering from a little operation he had in the US (more in this some time in the future), so I have also been doing double duty as nursemaid when required. The pets have been professional sleepers. We did indeed purchase a nifty teepee bed for Mr. Beebs, but of course he won't go into it. (Nor will the cat for that matter.) Because he always creates little tents for himself by sleeping under the furniture covers, we thought the Beebman would dig the teepee. Apparently not. Advice? Have finally sifted through the photos from our US trip (notice how this was a priority over unpacking :-). Here are a few, plus the first installment of assorted highlights, in no particular order. * M's 40th birthday party, held at Isaiah Zagar's awesome studio (if you are not from Philly, learn more about him at http://www.isaiahzagar.org). Much fun, and nice to catch up with so many great people. Plus, the entertainment was fabulous. :-)
* Preparty dinner with Big Jim at one of Philadelphia's great institutions: the Melrose Diner (http://www.melrose-diner.com). Bought a tub of their chocolate cookies to bring back to Spain. Yum. :-) *Hanging out at M's on Sunday, eating bagels, chatting with B., while Big Jim was out Christmas shopping. * Ever need to find a hotel in Philadelphia? Big Jim and I highly recommend the Latham (http://www.lathamhotel.com). Great value, plus it is located right smack in the middle of everything. And everyone was superfriendly. The doormen's equestrian boots, however, might be a bit much.
Rittenhouse Square, all festive. *My parents' cat Gunther. He's 17, too, like C.K. Needless to say, he sleeps a lot.
*Snow, lots of snow. :-)
*Visiting my old drinking places, like Fergie's and the Khyber. Even if the crowds are all new (save Fergie), the people are still really nice. Plus, you can't beat the Khyber's happy hour prices: pint of Yards for Big Jim and a Chesterfield for me = $3. Ah, speaking of happy hour, that time has come to the village, so I must be off. Have a great weekend, everyone! hasta pronto, mylifeinspain